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Thread: Calcium

  1. #1
    Ravin
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    Default Calcium

    For those of you not following Pamela's period problems on the ladies general board, I thought this to be importent for all to see. I hope it is helpful and that everyone finds it ineresting.

    Hey all I am in the middle of reading an article on calcium in the October issue of Oxygen Magizene and thought I should share an alarming find.

    The daily requirement is 1,200 milligrams and says that most women don't meet this amount each day. Besides leading to Osteoporosis, a deficiency in calcium can cause high blood pressure, severity of premenstrual syndrome, kidney stones, and worst case scenario, infertility and colon cancer.

    I hadn't ever thought about it before but I took a minute to ponder that and this is what I realized:

    Usually I drink a lot of milk and eat a lot of cheese. My symptoms of PMS are generally very mild. This includes mild cramps, lower back pain and fatigue which last 2-3 days before my period is due and stops the day or day after my period starts. My period is usually so light that I can use one tampon during the day and one at night and it only lasts 3-4 days.

    This past month I have hardly drank any milk and have eaten a lot less cheese then normal. The result you might wonder, this month my period is kicking my ass. I have had major cramps (so bad that I can hardly move), I am more tired then usual (which I didn't think possible), and my back and neck are killing me. After 4 hours of my period starting the symptoms have not let up and my tampon was full. In fact, the flow is so heavy that while I was drying off from my hot bath (which didn't do much to help any, normally it helps a lot) a stream of blood ran down my leg and onto the floor.

    The article also includes a few recipes for some dishes high in calcium and has a chart called The Best Sources Of Calcium From Food. I recommend you all pick up this issue of Oxygen so you can read the full article.

    In conclusion, and I can't stress this enough, make sure you get enough calcium in your system each day!

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I have also read this article. I read another article about calcium that stresses the importance of calcium as an aid to weight loss.

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    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I've been singing the praises of calcium on this board for a while now. I started taking calcium supplements around a couple years ago and on the second month noticed a DRAMATIC decrease in PMS symptoms, and I mean dramatic. To paraphrase Alanna, I used to feel like I could just climb on the roof with a shotgun and take potshots at anyone with the misfortune of passing by during my PMS, I always had an all-day headache a couple days before my period, and just generally felt CCRRAAPPPPYY. After starting the calcium supplements I barely have PMS symptoms - no headaches, no wanting to shoot people, the crappy feeling is very mild, and my boobs swell up alot more than before I was taking the supps. I also notice that if I happen to run out of calcium supps and forget to replace them for a few days, my PMS symptoms increase - this is when I miss my supps for only a few days!

    I take 1500mg of coral calcium daily - that seems to be the best. I've tried all types, and the kinds that give me the best results are oyster shell calcium and coral calcium, 1500mg. I take other vitamins as well, at night after my last meal. Other positive effects I feel from taking my vitamins are more energy, better general mood all the time, and less need to sleep so much after work. I used to need to sleep like 10 hours after working, then could barely get up to do anything the next day - I could only work 3 days per week at the most because it drained me so much. Now I work full time, sleep about 8 hours per night, feel good all the time and can get up and function normally whether I worked last night or not. I just can't stress it enough ladies.......take your vitamins!

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

  4. #4
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Calcium

    Thanks Ravin, Oxygen is a fav. of mine! I get my share of calcium, i just need to make sure enough gets absorbed into my body! I don't do cows milk, so i do many other foods for calcium daily!

    Very important indeed!
    Ps keep your calcium intake away from iron supplements. (should not take at the same time) They don't get along

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    Featured Member Veronika's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I've actually been told to lay off the iron supplements completely except right around my period (getting adequate iron through food was stressed however). I had some joint pain go away after I stopped. Weird the effects of what we put in our bodies!

    I personally take a liquid calcium supplement. It seems to work best for me.
    Currently dancing at the Men's Club of Reno, NV
    under the name of Veronica! I am a 2007 calendar girl for MCR, so message me if you want a calendar!

  6. #6
    Ravin
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    Default Re: Calcium

    As far as iron goes, I have been informed that you should mostly seek it in your food and should check with your doctor before using supplements. I think I need to because I bruise easily. I bought some pills but only took them once before I found out I should talk to my doctor. I have an appointment on the 15th for my annual pap so I will see about it then

    As for calcium, I have never taken it in the form of a supplement. I love milk and cheese so I always get plenty there. It was only because we were low on fundage from overspending at the strip club last month that I skimped on it. Never again will that happen, I can't go through this again. My husband and I are fighting near constantly because I am in such a bad mood from all my symptoms so I am sure he won't ever let me go with out again either.

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    Veteran Member carmenNYC's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    hmm this is interesting. does anyone know if those WHITE SPOTS on your fingernails are due to a calcium deficiency???? i have tons of those spots on my nails!! i hardly get any calcium because i try to stay away from milk & dairy! that may explain why my PMS crams are so freakin painful!

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    Veteran Member carmenNYC's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    bridgette wanna share the name of the calcuim supplements you take?

  9. #9
    Senior Member Tonya's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I drink soy milk everyday. It has the same amount of calcium as cows milk and I find it easier to digest.

  10. #10
    Ravin
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    Default Re: Calcium

    Hey, whatever works for ya'll as long as you get the amount of calcium needed.

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    Default Re: Calcium

    Just a thought that I had. I'm reading the "eat right for your blood type" books. I'm blood type A, and it says (in regards to Iron consumption and period symptoms):

    "The type A (Blood) women, especially those with heavy menstrual periods, should be careful about keeping sufficient Iron stores."

    Then it goes on to say stuff about the iron helping ease the symptoms. Again, this was only for the A blood type, but it seemed interesting. I'm not a female, but thought ya'll might be interested.

    Take care...

    Tyler

  12. #12
    Ravin
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I had never heard that before. I don't even know what my blood type is.

    I thought iron only had to do with bruising.

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    Default Re: Calcium

    I've been taking calcium supplements for a while (since Bridgette first posted about them.. thanks Bridgette!) and they've made a huge difference. The other thing that made a difference was changing the way I thought about my period. I read an article about how if we hate our period and we hate our bodies during our period and we've been taught to be ashamed of our blood, is it any wonder our body protests when we have our period?

    Lena



  14. #14
    Ravin
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I read an article about how if we hate our period and we hate our bodies during our period and we've been taught to be ashamed of our blood, is it any wonder our body protests when we have our period?
    Good point! I totally agree, just like anything in life its all about your outlook on life and your attitude.

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    Veteran Member Naomi_Tx's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    hmm this is interesting. does anyone know if those WHITE SPOTS on your fingernails are due to a calcium deficiency???? i have tons of those spots on my nails!! i hardly get any calcium because i try to stay away from milk & dairy! that may explain why my PMS crams are so freakin painful!
    Actually, those white spots are calcium deposits, lack of zinc, or if the white half-moon is too big than somebody is slipping you some arsenic in your tea.

  16. #16
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    Default Re: Calcium

    I love this thread girls. I cut milk/cheese at least 70% and my period suuuuucks! I thought maybe my body chemistry had changed and needed different oral contraceptives. Which makes no sense considering I've been on Ortho and only Ortho and had nothing but pleasurable results from period time. But then again, as I recall, I started my period early, @10-11, and they were always painful and Niagra blood flow--it continued until adulthood and I started Ortho. At @10-11 I drank milk like water. So that part doesn't make since. So, I will be experimenting with calcium to see if it can tame the evil inside that has been lurking within the past few months. Aaah! Who'd of thought Dairy Queen could be the answer to the problem. I just experienced true PMS this past year, and I'm not happy with it.

    About the iron Ravin, that's nothing to play around with. Supplements should only be taken with Dr. recommendation. Too much can be harmful. Too little can result in anemia. I've always had low iron and was suppose to take at least 3 iron pills a week. I didn't take any for @2 years and developed a slight case of anemia. I noticed I was tired and fatigue a lot, but when it got to the point I was to tired to work, and be out of breath going up the stairs and feeling like a senior citizen, I went to the doctor. He told me to take an iron pill everyday for at least 6 months!!! I've been taking them for a year and it just now really feels like I have my energy. Now I can run up the stairs and actually enjoy going to the gym. But regardless of whether it's iron or calcium, everyone's body type is different. So always be aware of what the supplement is suppose to do for you and consult your doctor for the best advice.

  17. #17
    Veteran Member Naomi_Tx's Avatar
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    Default Re: Calcium

    Milk is overrated, as far as being a major suppliant of calcium. One plain potato has more calcium than a gallon of milk. I drink lots of milk, because I like the taste; but if calcium's what I needed I'd pop a pill or eat some potatoes.

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    Default Re: Calcium

    Hey Naomi, that's another thing I cut back on. The baked potatoe! Or any potatoe's. I've been trying to change my diet to a healthier one. (less fat, sugar, lower carbs) It looks like I'm doing it all wrong. Maybe that's why my hormones have been misbehaving at period time.

    By the way, for everyone that has cut carb's, I learned something. For @2 weeks I done a major carb cut and started feeling depressed for no aparant reason. So I do occasional studies on serotonin depletion. I ran accross an article http://www.weightlossguide.com/food-cravings.html
    and found here that a major carb cut can cause serotonin to decrease!!!! :o I can't believe how educated one needs to be just to try and keep a healthy fit body.

  19. #19
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Calcium

    1 chocolate candy bar will increase seratonin levels, or help the chemical make the trip to the other side of the brain. Thank god i love chocolate! As will many other foods. No mater what diet people chose, we need carbohydrates! Our kidneys can't function on a high protein diet.

    Pamela

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    Default Re: Calcium

    At the same time, we can "crash" if we have too many carbs in one meal. Our insulin levels will go way up, only to come crashing down later, making us feel lethargic. I get bad headaches from this. Do you ever notice how you feel after a big holiday meal? This is why a lot of small meals throughout the day are recommended. Not only does it kick our metabolism in gear, it keeps our insulin levels stable. The key here is moderation.

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    Default Re: Calcium

    Also, if you want to lose weight or avoid the lethargy and headaches there are certain carbs you would want to avoid or use sparingly. These are high-glycemic carbs. Carbs that break down too fast during digestion, causing a dramatic rise in blood sugar levels. This is the rise and fall I was just talking about.
    Examples:
    White rice, bagels, donuts, pancakes, bananas, raisins, french fries, soft drinks, sports drinks, anything with a lot of sugar.

    Low-glycemic carbs:
    whole grain pastas, bran, green tea, H2O,apples, berries, grapefruit, peaches, plums

    I have been paying attention to this because I have realized that this is a major cause of my lack of energy and headaches.

  22. #22
    Ravin
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    Default Re: Calcium

    This is why a lot of small meals throughout the day are recommended. Not only does it kick our metabolism in gear, it keeps our insulin levels stable. The key here is moderation.
    I totally agree, also eating smaller spread out meals helps make you less hungry in between meals. Thus, you end up cutting down on your snacking which also helps us become more healthy.

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    Default Re: Calcium

    If you supplement with calcium, take it with magnesium. A 2:1 ca/mg ratio is best. There are many brands that contain the correct amounts some even add a little zinc. The ca/mag combo can help to reduce stress and anxiety in addition to all the benefits that straight calcuium supplements have to offer. It is also an effective sleep aid and muscle relaxer if taken on an empty stomach before bed.

  24. #24
    Pamela
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    Default Re: Calcium

    Also i am a big fan of asprin (low dosage daily) to keep my blood running thinner. And now i am on this new pill out. Asprin and calcium! I love it.

    Pamela

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